Diabetes Hyperglycemia And Hypoglycemia

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, meaning that
although it can be controlled, it can threaten in lifetime.

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized
by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is a form
of sugar in the blood,it is the principal source of fuel
for our bodies. When food is digested the glucose makes
its way into bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for
energy and growth.Glucose cannot enter our cells without
insulin being present, insulin makes it possible for our
cells to take in the glucose.

Too much glucose building up in the blood,this excess blood
glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine. So, even
though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not
getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.

Blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin,
a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood
glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example,
after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to
normalize the glucose level.In patients with diabetes, the
absence or insufficient production of insulin causes
hyperglycemia.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs from time to time in
most people with diabetes. Hypoglycemia is a condition where
the level of glucose in the blood drops too low (below 3.0 mmol/L).
It results from taking too much diabetes medication or insulin
(sometimes called an insulin reaction), missing a meal,doing more
exercise than usual, drinking too much alcohol, or taking certain
medications for other conditions. It is very important to recognize
hypoglycemia and be prepared to treat it at all times. Headache,
feeling dizzy, poor concentration,tremors of hands, and sweating
are common symptoms of hypoglycemia.

When hypoglycemia happens, you can manage it without
medical help, by consuming a sugary food or drink. However,
if hypoglycemia is moderate or severe, you will need help and
possible emergency treatment. It is important to know how to
recognize hypoglycemia before it gets too serious.